Dolores R. Walker Harhai, of Monessen, died on Feb. 18, 2026. She was 102 years old, born Dec. 29, 1923, to Alice Lessman Walker and Joseph Walker. Her husband, John B. Harhai, predeceased her in 1999 and they had five children: John Harhai, Robert Ted Harhai, Kathleen Harhai of Monessen, Dr. Thomas Harhai of York, Pa., and Kenneth Harhai of Houston, Texas. She had two sisters who predeceased her, Alberta White and Lorraine Nelson; and a surviving brother, Joseph Walker. Dolores was a lifelong homemaker who loved to cook and to bake, especially for the holidays. Her specialties were Christmas cookies by the dozens and kolaches (nut, poppyseed and apricot rolls), which she began to bake in September. She was very proud of her cakes and pies, most notably her various pumpkin pies. Dolores enjoyed reading, crocheting, knitting, sewing and quilting. She also liked cooking shows, soap operas and reading Southern Living magazine. She was the glue that held the family together; she taught by example not to be afraid of hard work such as keeping the coal furnace stoked in wintertime, keeping her house “redd up,” providing for five children and a husband. Doe, as she was affectionately called, had a deep, quiet and enduring Roman Catholic faith that she thankfully passed on to her children. She attended the Church of the Epiphany weekly before limited mobility prevented her from going to Mass. One could always count on prayerful support from her during life’s ups and downs. Dolores is survived by six grandchildren: Daniella (Michael) Chuidian of York, Thomas F. Harhai of Downingtown, Julia (Jeff) Paladina of Mechanicsburg, and James (Lauren) Harhai of Oaklyn, N.J., Jill (Michael) Reiss of Basking Ridge, N.J., and John Harhai Jr. of Somerset, N.J. Thirteen great-grandchildren also survive: Jacinta, Serafina, Avila, Cosima and Felix Chuidian, Kyan and Thomas J. Harhai, Maximilian, Dominic, Gianna and Maria Paladina and Liam and Logan Reiss. ROBERT A. BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC., Grand Boulevard and Marion Avenue, Monessen PA 15062, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Private family visitation will be held. The family requests friends and family meet at the Epiphany of our Lord Church at noon Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, for a funeral Mass. Entombment will follow at Belle Vernon Cemetery. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. John Holets, Joan Holets and the ViaQuest Hospice Team, especially Shera, Jackie and Tracie, for the excellent care given to Mom the last month of her life. The family suggests memorial contributions made in memory of Dolores Harhai to the Epiphany of our Lord Church or a charity of your choice. Online condolences are being accepted for the family at www.billicksfuneralhome.com.
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